Please see below information on upcoming Barnardos Post Adoption Groups 

Groups for Birth Mothers 

Once Off Birth Mothers Support Group Galway 23.02.2023

Barnardos Adult Post Adoption Service has recently expanded our service to the Galway area; providing therapeutic support services to Birth Mothers in the West of Ireland. As part of this expansion, we plan to extend the service to facilitating in person support groups for women whose children have been adopted. The purpose of the group is to provide a safe space for birthmothers to meet others and avail of support. The group will be a confidential space for birth mothers to share their experiences with others who may have similar experiences. 

Where: SCCUL Sanctuary, Therapeutic Support Centre, Bungalow 9, Kilcornan, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway, H91 RHH4

When: Thursday the 23rd of February 2023 - 10.30am – 12.30pm 

To register: You can register your interest for the Galway group here Once Off Birth Mothers Support Group Galway 23.02.20... (barnardos.ie) Alternatively you can email our Post Adoption Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone the Post Adoption Service office in confidence for further information at (091) 454489.

Due to number restrictions please register interest as soon as possible.

Online Support Group for Birth Mothers 28.03.2023

We will be holding a confidential, in person support course for birth mothers Online. The purpose of the course is to provide a safe space for women whose children have been adopted. The meeting provides an opportunity for women to meet with others who have shared common experiences and avail of support. 

Where: Online – Link to follow after registration.

When: Tuesday 28th of March from 7.00pm – 9.00pm 

To register: You can register your interest for the Online group here Online Support Group for Birth Mothers 28.03.23 | Ba... (barnardos.ie) Alternatively you can email our Post Adoption Team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone the Post Adoption Service office in confidence for further information at (021) 2038005.

Due to number restrictions please register interest as soon as possible.

6-week Therapeutic Support Course for Birth Mothers-Dublin

Barnardos Post Adoption Service will be running a 6-week therapeutic course for women whose children have been adopted.

This course is an opportunity to talk about experiences in the past and perhaps to prepare for contact with a now adult son or daughter. Some women may have met their adopted child/adult already and would like support around the outcome of the meeting and the ongoing contact or relationship, and how this may have affected them and other family members. Mothers who have been linked with their adopted sons or daughters through the National Adoption Contact Preference Register, or who are considering joining the Register, will find the meetings very helpful.

Many women have found these meetings to be of invaluable assistance in moving forward with their lives. The service is independent and completely confidential. There is no charge to attend the course.

Some of the topics covered in the course are:

• Parting with a child for adoption

• How this experience has affected the mother’s life

• Seeking information about your child

• How adoption affects others, e.g. adopted people, adoptive parents

• Searching for your child - what should you expect?

• What happens after reunion?

Where: Barnardos Head Office in Christchurch Square, Christchurch Pl, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 DT63

When: Monday 17th, 24th of April, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th of May from 10.30am – 12.30pm 

To register: You can register your interest for this group here 6-week Therapeutic Support Course for Birth Mothers ... (barnardos.ie) . Alternatively you can contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone the Post Adoption Service office in confidence for further information on 01 8134100. 

Groups for Adopted Adults 

Online Exploring Adoption Course - 4-week course

We will be running a four-week online "Exploring Adoption" Course for adopted adults in March 2023. The course is open to adopted adults over the age of 18.

The course explores issues such as:

• How it feels to be adopted

• Preparing to search for your birth family

• Birth and adoptive family perspectives

• Outcomes of search for a birth family

Where: Online – Session link will be emailed following registration for the group.

When: The course will be held between 7.30pm and 9.30pm over the following dates: 

• Tuesday 7th March, 2023

• Tuesday 14th March, 2023

• Tuesday 21st March, 2023

• Tuesday 28th March, 2023

Register: You can register through the following link Online Exploring Adoption Course, Tuesday 7th March,... (barnardos.ie)

Due to number restrictions, please register interest as soon as possible.

Groups for Individuals Subject to an Illegal Birth Registration 

Cork Once Off Support for Individuals Subject to an Illegal Birth Registration

Barnardos plan to host a confidential, in-person support group for individuals subject to an illegal birth registration in Cork and surrounding areas. This is the first time we have planned to hold an in-person group in the South of Ireland and we are looking forward to welcoming participants in the area. 

Where: The Charleville Park Hotel, Limerick Rd, Rathgoggan North, Charleville, Co. Cork

When: Monday 6th of March, 7.30pm to 9pm

Register: You can register through the following link In Person Support Group for Individuals Impacted by ... (barnardos.ie)

Please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone us in confidence for further information at (021) 2038005.